User-assisted programmable appliance control

ABSTRACT

A universal remote control interacts with a user to assist in training to one or more appliances. If the appliance is activated by a rolling code activation signal, a sequence of different rolling code activation signals is transmitted until the user indicates a successful rolling code transmission. If the appliance is activated by a fixed code activation signal, a fixed code word is used to generate and transmit each of a sequence of different fixed code activation signals until the user indicates a successful fixed code transmission. In response to an activation input, an activation signal is generated and transmitted based on data stored following user indication of a successful transmission.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/630,390, filed Jul. 30, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to wireless remote control of appliancessuch as, for example, garage door openers.

2. Background Art

Home appliances, such as garage door openers, security gates, homealarms, lighting, and the like, may conveniently be operated from aremote control. Typically, the remote control is purchased together withthe appliance. The remote control transmits a radio frequency activationsignal which is recognized by a receiver associated with the appliance.Aftermarket remote controls are gaining in popularity as such devicescan offer functionality different from the original equipment's remotecontrol. Such functionality includes decreased size, multiple applianceinteroperability, increased performance, and the like. Aftermarketcontrollers are also purchased to replace lost or damaged controllers orto simply provide another remote control for accessing the appliance.

An example application for aftermarket remote controls are remote garagedoor openers integrated into an automotive vehicle. These integratedremote controls provide customer convenience, applianceinteroperability, increased safety, and enhanced vehicle value. Presentin-vehicle integrated remote controls provide a “universal” orprogrammable garage door opener which learns characteristics of anactivation signal received from an existing transmitter then, whenprompted by a user, generates a single activation signal having the samecharacteristics. One problem with such devices is the difficultyexperienced by users in programming these devices. This is particularlytrue for rolling code receivers where the user must program both thein-vehicle remote control and the appliance receiver.

What is needed is a universal remote control that is easier to program.This remote control should be integrateable into an automotive vehicleusing simple electronic circuits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a universal remote control that interactswith the user to assist in training to a particular remotely controlledappliance.

A system for wirelessly activating an appliance responding to one of aplurality of transmission schemes is provided. The system includes atleast one user activation input and a user programming input. Memoryholds data describing a plurality of rolling code transmission schemesand a plurality of fixed code transmission schemes. A transmittertransmits a radio frequency activation signal based on any of theplurality of transmission schemes. Control logic implements a rollingcode programming mode, a fixed code programming mode and an operatingmode. In rolling code programming mode, a sequence of rolling codeactivation signals is generated and transmitted. Each rolling codeactivation signal is based on a different rolling code transmissionscheme. The sequence is transmitted until user input indicates asuccessful rolling code transmission scheme. The control logic storesdata specifying the successful rolling code transmission schemeassociated with one of the activation inputs. In fixed code programmingmode, a fixed code is received from the user programming input. Asequence of fixed code activation signals is generated and transmitted.Each fixed code activation signal is based on a fixed code transmissionscheme and the received fixed code. The sequence of fixed codes istransmitted until user input indicates a successful fixed codetransmission scheme. The fixed code and data specifying the successfultransmission scheme are stored associated with one of the activationinputs. In operating mode, an activation input is received. Dataassociated with the received activation input is retrieved and used togenerate an activation signal.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the system includes aplurality of activation inputs. Each of these activation inputs mayinclude a switch, allowing the user programming input to be the same asthe activation inputs.

The fixed code may be parallelly received, such as by setting DIPswitches, or may be serially received, such as through a sequence ofbutton depressions, as data transmitted over a serial bus, and the like.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the control logic pausesfor user input after transmission of at least one fixed code activationsignal in the sequence of fixed code activation signals. Similarly, thecontrol logic may pause for user input after transmission of at leastone rolling code activation signal in the sequence of rolling codeactivation signals.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the sequence offixed code signals can include at least one pair of fixed codeactivation signals based on the same fixed code transmission scheme. Onefixed code activation signal in each pair may be based on a reversal ofthe fixed code. Alternatively, or in addition, one fixed code activationsignal in each pair may be based on an inverse of the fixed code. Atransmission based on both an inversion and a reversal is also possible.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the system includesa data port for receiving data describing the transmission schemes. Oneor more of various types of data ports are possible, including telephoneinterfaces; short-range links to wireless appliances such as laptopcomputers, telephones, and personal digital assistants; data connectionsfor serial or parallel data transfer; and the like.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle bus providesa communication path for the control logic. This path permits remoteprogramming and/or activation. In additions, data describing thetransmission schemes may be loaded into memory over the vehicle bus.

A method of activating an appliance is provided. If a user indicatesthat the appliance is activated by a rolling code activation signal, asequence of different rolling code activation signals is transmitteduntil the user indicates a successful rolling code transmission. Data isthen stored representing a rolling code scheme used to generate thesuccessful rolling code transmission. If the user indicates that theappliance is activated by a fixed code activation signal, a fixed codeword is used to generate and transmit each of a sequence of differentfixed code activation signals until the user indicates a successfulfixed code transmission. Data representing the fixed code word and afixed code scheme used to generate the successful fixed codetransmission is then stored. In response to an activation input, anactivation signal based on stored data is generated and transmitted.

A method of programming a programmable remote control is also provided.User type input specifying activation signal type is received. If theuser type input specifies variable code type, variable code activationsignals are transmitted until user success input is received indicatinga target appliance has been activated. If the user type input specifiesfixed code type, user fixed code input providing a fixed code isreceived and fixed code activation signals are transmitted until usersuccess input indicating the target appliance has been activated isreceived. Information specifying an activation signal for activating thetarget appliance based on the received user access input is stored.

A method of programming a programmable remote control programmable to afixed code appliance activation scheme is also provided. A fixed codeassociated with a fixed code appliance is received. At least a firstactivation signal and a second activation signal are transmitted. Eachof the first activation signal and the second activation signal arebased on the same fixed code activation scheme. Each of the firstactivation signal and the second activation signal are based on thereceived fixed code, with the second activation signal based on a binarymodification of the received code. The binary modification may be one ormore of a bitwise reversal of the received fixed code and a bitwiseinversion of the received fixed code.

A system for wirelessly activating an appliance is also provided. Thesystem includes a radio frequency transmitter, memory holding datadescribing transmission schemes, and control logic. The control logic iscapable of storing a fixed code. If a fixed code is stored, a sequenceof fixed code activation schemes is transmitted until input indicatingactivation of the appliance is received. If no fixed code is stored, asequence of rolling code activation schemes is transmitted until inputindicating activation of the appliance is received. An indication as towhich activation scheme activated the appliance is stored based on thereceived input. An activation signal is generated based on the storedindication and a received activation input.

The above features, and other features and advantages of the presentinvention are readily apparent from the following detailed descriptionsthereof when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an appliance control systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating activation signalcharacteristics according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating rolling code operation that maybe used with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fixed code setting whichmay be used according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a programmable remote controlaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating control logic and a userinterface according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a memory map for implementing control modes according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 are flow diagrams illustrating programmablecontroller operation according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 13, 14, 15, and 16 are flow diagrams illustrating alternativeprogrammable controller operation according to embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle interior that may be used toprogram a programmable controller according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a bus-based automotive vehicleelectronics system according to an embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating distributed control elementsinterconnected by a vehicle bus according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram illustrating an appliance controlsystem according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Anappliance control system, shown generally by 20, allows one or moreappliances to be remotely controlled using radio transmitters. In theexample shown, radio frequency remote controls are used to operate agarage door opener. However, the present invention may be applied tocontrolling a wide variety of appliances such as other mechanicalbarriers, lighting, alarm systems, temperature control systems, and thelike.

Appliance control system 20 includes garage 22 having a garage door, notshown. Garage door opener (GDO) receiver 24 receives radio frequencycontrol signals 26 for controlling a garage door opener. Activationsignals have a transmission scheme which may be represented as a set ofreceiver characteristics. One or more existing transmitters (ET) 28generate radio frequency activation signals 26 exhibiting the receivercharacteristics in response to a user depressing an activation button.

A user of appliance control system 20 may wish to add a new transmitterto system 20. For example, a vehicle-based transmitter (VBT) includingprogramable control 30 may be installed in vehicle 32, which may beparked in garage 22. Vehicle-based transmitter 30 generates a sequenceof activation signals 34 which includes an activation signal havingcharacteristics appropriate to activate activating garage door openerreceiver 24. In the embodiment shown, programmable control 30 is mountedin vehicle 32. However, as will be recognized by one of ordinary skillin the art, the present invention applies to universal remote controlsthat may also be hand-held, wall mounted, included in a key fob, and thelike.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram illustrating activationsignal characteristics according to an embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. Information transmitted in an activation signal istypically represented as a binary data word, shown generally by 60. Dataword 60 may include one or more fields, such as transmitter identifier62, function indicator 64, code word 66, and the like. Transmitteridentifier (TRANS ID) 62 uniquely identifies a remote controltransmitter. Function indicator 64 indicates which of a plurality offunctional buttons on the remote control transmitter were activated.Code word 66 helps to prevent mis-activation and unauthorized access.

Several types of codes 66 are possible. One type of code is a fixedcode, wherein each transmission from a given remote control transmittercontains the same code 66. In contrast, variable code schemes change thebit pattern of code 66 with each activation. The most common variablecode scheme, known as rolling code, generates code 66 by encrypting asynchronization (sync) counter value. After each activation, the counteris incremented. The encryption technique is such that a sequence ofencrypted counter values appears to be random numbers.

Data word 60 is converted to a baseband stream, shown generally by 70,which is an analog signal typically transitioning between a high voltagelevel and a low voltage level. Multilevel transmissions are alsopossible. Various baseband encoding or modulation schemes are known,including polar signaling, on-off signaling, bipolar signaling,duobinary signaling, Manchester signaling, and the like. Baseband stream70 has a baseband power spectral density, shown generally by 72,centered around a frequency of zero.

Baseband stream 70 is converted to a radio frequency signal through amodulation process shown generally by 80. Baseband stream 70 is used tomodulate one or more characteristics of carrier 82 to produce abroadband signal, shown generally by 84. Modulation process 80,mathematically illustrated by multiplication in FIG. 2, implements aform of amplitude modulation commonly referred to as on-off keying. Aswill be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, many othermodulation forms are possible, including frequency modulation, phasemodulation, and the like. In the example shown, baseband stream 70 formsenvelope 86 modulating carrier 82. As illustrated in broadband powerspectral density 88, the effect in the frequency domain is to shiftbaseband power spectral density 72 up in frequency so as to be centeredaround the carrier frequency, f, of carrier 82.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram illustrating rolling codeoperation that may be used with the present invention is shown. Remotelycontrolled systems using rolling code require crypt key 100 in both thetransmitter and the receiver for normal operation. In a well-designedrolling code scheme, crypt key 100 is not transmitted from thetransmitter to the receiver. Typically, crypt key 100 is generated usingkey generation algorithm 102 based on transmitter identifier 62 and amanufacturing (MFG) key 104. Crypt key 100 and transmitter identifier 62are then stored in a particular transmitter. Counter 106 is alsoinitialized in the transmitter. Each time an activation signal is sent,the transmitter uses encrypt algorithm 108 to generate rolling codevalue 110 from counter 106 using crypt key 100. The transmittedactivation signal includes rolling code 110 and transmitter identifier62.

A rolling code receiver is trained to a compatible transmitter prior tonormal operation. The receiver is placed into a learn mode. Uponreception of an activation signal, the receiver extracts transmitteridentifier 62. The receiver then uses key generation algorithm 102 withmanufacturing key 104 and received transmitter identifier 62 to generatecrypt key 100 identical to the crypt key used by the transmitter. Newlygenerated crypt key 100 is used by decrypt algorithm 112 to decryptrolling code 110, producing counter 114 equal to counter 106. Thereceiver then saves counter 114 and crypt key 100 associated withtransmitter identifier 62. As is known in the encryption art, encryptalgorithm 108 and decrypt algorithm 112 may be the same algorithm.

In normal operation, when the receiver receives an activation signal,the receiver first extracts transmitter identifier 62 and comparestransmitter identifier 62 with all learned transmitter identifiers. Ifno match is found, the receiver rejects the activation signal. If amatch is found, the receiver retrieves crypt key 100 associated withreceived transmitter identifier 62 and decrypts rolling code 110 fromthe received activation signal to produce counter 114. If receivedcounter 106 matches counter 114 associated with transmitter identifier62, activation proceeds. Received counter 106 may also exceed storedcounter 114 by a preset amount for successful activation.

Another rolling code scheme generates crypt key 100 based onmanufacturing key 104 and a “seed” or random number. An existingtransmitter sends this seed to an appliance receiver when the receiveris placed in learn mode. The transmitter typically has a special modefor transmitting the seed that is entered, for example, by pushing aparticular combination of buttons. The receiver uses the seed togenerate crypt key 100. As will be recognized by one of ordinary skillin the art, the present invention applies to the use of a seed forgenerating a crypt key as well as to any other variable code scheme.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a schematic diagram illustrating a fixed codesetting which may used according to an embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. Fixed code systems typically permit a user to setthe fixed code value through a set of DIP switches or jumpers. Forexample, fixed code receiver 24 and transmitter 28 may each includeprinted circuit board 120 having a plurality of pins, one of which isindicated by 122, together with support electronics, not shown. Pins 122are arranged in a grid having three rows and a number of columns equalto the number of bits in the fixed code value. A jumper, one of which isindicated by 124, is placed in each column straddling either the firstand second pins or the second and third pins. One position represents alogical “1” and the other position represents a logical “0.” Variousalternative schemes are also possible. For example, two rows may beused, with the presence or absence of jumper 124 indicating one of thelogical binary values. As another alternative, a set of DIP switches maybe used with “up” representing one binary value and “down” representingthe other.

In various embodiments of the present invention, a user is asked to readthe fixed code value from existing transmitter 28 or appliance receiver24 and enter this fixed code value into programmable control 30. Adifficulty experienced by users asked to read such values is indetermining from which end to start. Another difficulty is indetermining which setting represents a binary “1” and which settingrepresents a binary “0.” For example, the pattern represented in FIG. 4may be interpreted as “00011010,” “11100101,” “01011000” or “10100111.”Entering an incorrect value can frustrate a user who is not sure why hecannot program his fixed code transmitter. To rectify this situation,embodiments of the present invention transmits fixed code activationsignals based on the fixed code value as entered by the user and atleast one of a bitwise reversal of the fixed code, a bitwise inversionof the fixed code, and both a bitwise reversal and inversion.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a block diagram illustrating a programmableremote control according to an embodiment of the present invention isshown. Programmable control 30 includes control logic 130 and atransmitter section, shown generally by 132. Transmitter section 132includes variable frequency oscillator 134, modulator 136, variable gainamplifier 138 and antenna 140. For each activation signal in sequence ofactivation signals 34, control logic 130 sets the carrier frequency ofthe activation signal generated by variable frequency oscillator 134using frequency control signal 142. Control logic 132 modulates thecarrier frequency with modulator 136, modeled here as a switch, toproduce an activation signal which is amplified by variable gainamplifier 138. Modulator 136 may be controlled by shifting a data wordserially onto modulation control signal 144. Other forms of modulationare possible, such as frequency modulation, phase modulation, and thelike. Variable gain amplifier 138 is set to provide the maximumallowable output power to antenna 140 using gain control signal 146.

Control logic 130 receives user input 148 providing fixed codeprogramming information and activation inputs. User input 148 may beimplemented with one or more switches directly connected to controllogic 130. Alternatively, user input 148 may be provided through remoteinput devices connected to control logic 130 via a serial bus. Controllogic 130 generates one or more user outputs 150. User outputs 150 mayinclude indicator lamps directly connected to control logic 130 and/orremote display devices connected to control logic 130 through a serialbus.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a schematic diagram illustrating control logicand a user interface according to an embodiment of the present inventionis shown. Control logic 130 and electronics for a user interface, showngenerally by 160, can be implemented with microcontroller 162. Userinterface 160 includes at least one activation input, shown generally by164. Three activation inputs 164 are shown, labeled “A,” “B” and “C.”Each activation input 164 is implemented with one pushbutton switch 166.Each pushbutton switch 166 provides a voltage signal to a digital input(DI) for microcontroller 162. User interface 160 also includes oneindicator lamp 168 associated with each activation input 164. Eachindicator lamp 168 may be implemented using one or more light emittingdiodes supplied by a digital output (DO) from microcontroller 162.

User interface 160 can include a plurality of DIP switches, one of whichis indicated by 170, for implementing programming input 172. DIPswitches 170 are set to match the fixed code value from fixed codeappliance receiver 24 or associated existing transmitter 28.Microcontroller 162 reads DIP switches 170 using parallel bus 174.Alternatively, programming input 172 may be implemented using pushbuttonswitches 166 as will be described in greater detail below.

Microcontroller 162 generates control signals determiningcharacteristics of transmitted activation signals. Frequency controlsignal 142 is delivered from an analog output (AO) on microcontroller162. For example, if variable frequency oscillator 134 is implementedusing a voltage controlled oscillator, varying the voltage on frequencycontrol signal 142 will control the carrier frequency of the activationsignal. Frequency control signal 142 may also be one or more digitaloutputs used to select between fixed frequency sources. Modulationcontrol signal 144 is provided by a digital output on microcontroller162. The fixed or rolling code data word is put out on modulationcontrol 144 in conformance with the baseband modulation and bit ratecharacteristics of the activation scheme being implemented.Microcontroller 162 generates gain control signal 146 as an analogoutput for controlling the amplitude of the activation signal generated.As will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, analog outputsignals may be replaced by digital output signals feeding an externaldigital-to-analog converter.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a memory map for implementing operating modesaccording to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. A memorymap, shown generally by 190, represents the allocation of memory fordata tables used by programmable control 30. Preferably, this data isheld in non-volatile memory such as flash memory. Memory map 190includes channel table 192, mode table 194 and scheme table 196.

Channel table 192 includes a channel entry, one of which is indicated by198, for each channel supported by programmable control 30. Typically,each channel corresponds to a user activation input. In the exampleillustrated in FIG. 7, three channels are supported. Each channel entry198 has two fields, mode indicator 200 and fixed code 202. Modeindicator 200 indicates the mode programmed for that channel. In theembodiment shown, a zero in mode indicator 200 indicates rolling codemode. A non-zero integer in mode indicator 200 indicates a fixed codemode with a code size equal to the integer value. For example, the firstchannel (CHAN1) has been programmed for eight-bit fixed code operation,the second channel (CHAN2) has been programmed for rolling codeoperation and the third channel (CHAN3) has been programmed for ten-bitfixed code operation. Fixed code value 202 holds the programmed fixedcode for a fixed code mode. Fixed code value 202 may also hold functioncode 64 in fixed code modes. Fixed code value 202 may hold function code64 or may not be used at all in a channel programmed for a rolling codemode.

Mode table 194 contains an entry for each mode supported. The fourentries illustrated are rolling code entry 204, eight-bit fixed codeentry 206, nine-bit fixed code entry 208 and ten-bit fixed code entry210. Each entry begins with mode indicator 200 for the mode represented,the next value is scheme count 212 indicating the number of schemes tobe sequentially transmitted in that mode. Following scheme count 212 isa scheme address 214 for each scheme. The address of the first entry ofmode table 194 is held in table start pointer 216 known by control logic130. When accessing data for a particular mode, control logic 130searches through mode table 194 for mode indicator 200 matching thedesired mode. The use of mode indicators 200 and scheme counts 212provides a flexible representation for adding new schemes to each modeand adding new modes to mode table 194.

Scheme table 196 holds characteristics and other information necessaryfor generating each activation signal in sequence of activation signals34. Scheme table 196 includes a plurality of rolling code entries, oneof which is indicated by 220, and a plurality of fixed code entries, oneof which is indicated by 222. Each rolling code entry 220 includestransmitter identifier 62, counter 106, crypt key 100, carrier frequency224, and subroutine address 226. Subroutine address 226 points to codeexecutable by control logic 130 for generating an activation signal.Additional characteristics may be embedded within this code. Each fixedcode entry 222 includes carrier frequency 224 and subroutine address226. Next pointer 228 points to the next open location after schemetable 196. Any new schemes received by control logic 130 may be appendedto scheme table 196 using next pointer 228.

Memory map 190 illustrated in FIG. 7 implements a single rolling codemode and three fixed code modes based on the fixed code size. Otherarrangement of modes are possible. For example, more than one rollingcode mode may be used. Only one fixed code mode may be used. If morethan one fixed code mode is used, characteristics other than fixed codesize may be used to distinguish between fixed code modes. For example,fixed code schemes may be grouped by carrier frequency, modulationtechnique, baseband modulation, and the like.

In other alternative embodiments, channel table 192 can hold differentvalues for channel entries 198. For example, each channel entry 198could include scheme address 214 of a successfully trained scheme aswell as fixed code value 202.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 through 16, flow charts illustratingprogrammable control operation according to embodiments of the presentinvention are shown. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill inthe art, the operations illustrated are not necessarily sequentialoperations. Similarly, operations may be performed by software,hardware, or a combination of both. The present invention transcends anyparticular implementation and the aspects are shown in sequentialflowchart form for ease of illustration.

Referring to FIG. 8, a top level flowchart is shown. Systeminitialization occurs, as in block 240. Control logic 130 is preferablyimplemented with a microcontroller. Various ports and registers aretypically initialized on power up. A check is made to determine if thisis a first power up occurrence, as in block 242. If so, the mode foreach channel is set to rolling code, as in block 244. The system thenwaits for user input, as in block 246. This waiting may be done eitherwith power applied or removed.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a flowchart illustrating response to user inputis shown. The user input is examined, as in block 250. A check is madefor reset input, as in block 252. If so, a reset routine is called, asin block 254. If not, a check is made for activation input, as in block256. If so, an activation routine is called, as in block 258. If not, acheck is made to determine if fixed code training input has beenreceived, as in block 260. If so, a fixed code training routine iscalled, as in block 262. Other input options are possible, such asplacing programmable control 30 into a download mode for receiving datarelated to adding or changing activation schemes.

Interpreting user input depends upon the type of user input supported byprogrammable control 30. For a simple pushbutton system, a buttondepression of short duration may be used to signify activation input forthe channel assigned to the button. Holding the button for a moderatelength of time may be used to signify fixed training input. Holding thebutton for an extended period of time may be used to indicate resetinput. Alternatively, different combinations of buttons may be used toplace programmable control 30 into various modes of operation.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a flowchart illustrating an activation routineis shown. A determination is made as to which activation input wasasserted, as in block 270. For the selected channel, a check is made todetermine under which mode the activation input channel is operating, asin block 272. This determination can be accomplished by examiningchannel table 192 as described above. For a fixed code mode, the storedfixed code is retrieved, as in block 274. A loop is executed for eachscheme associated with the fixed code mode. Characteristics for the nextscheme are loaded, as in block 276. This may be accomplished, forexample, by obtaining a pointer to an entry in scheme table 196. A dataword is formed using the fixed code, as in block 278. The frequency isset, as in block 280. The data word is modulated and transmitted, as inblock 282. A check is made to determine if any schemes remain, as inblock 284. If so, blocks 276, 278, 280 and 282 are repeated. If not, theactivation routine terminates.

Considering again block 272, if the channel mode corresponding to theasserted input is a rolling code mode, a rolling code activation signalloop is entered. Characteristics of the next rolling code scheme areloaded, as in block 286. The synchronization counter associated with thecurrent scheme is incremented, as in block 288. The incremented countervalue is also stored. The synchronization counter is encrypted using thecrypt key to produce a rolling code value, as in block 290. A data wordis formed using the rolling code value, as in block 292. The carrierfrequency is set, as in block 294. The data word is modulated andtransmitted, as in block 296. A check is made to determine if anyschemes remain in the rolling code mode, as in block 298. If so, blocks286, 288, 290, 292, 294 and 296 are repeated. If no schemes remain, theactivation routine is terminated.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a flow chart illustrating fixed code trainingis shown. The user is prompted for input, as in block 300. Prompting maybe accomplished, for example, by flashing one or more of indicator lamps168. Alternatively, other audio and/or visual prompts may be provided tothe user as will be described in greater detail below. User input isreceived, as in block 302. The user enters a fixed code value. Thisvalue may be entered in parallel such as, for example, through the useof DIP switches 170. The user may also enter fixed code informationthrough one or more remote user inputs as will be described in greaterdetail below. Activation inputs 164 provide another means for inputtinga fixed code value. In a three button system, a first button can be usedto input a binary “1,” a second button can be used to input a binary “0”and a third button can be used to indicate completion.

Blocks 304 through 314 describe serially inputting a fixed code valueusing activation inputs 164. A check is made to determine if an end ofdata input was received, as in block 304. If not, a check is made to seeif the input value was a binary “1,” as in block 306. If so, a binary“1” is appended to the fixed code value, as in block 308, and anindication of binary “1” is displayed, as in block 310. This display maybe, for example, illuminating indicator lamp 168 associated withactivation input 164 used to input the binary “1.” Returning to block306, if a binary “1” was not input, a binary “0” is appended to thefixed code, as in block 312. A display indicating a binary “0” isprovided, as in block 314.

Returning now to block 304, once the fixed code value has been received,a loop is entered to generate a sequence of at least one fixed codeactivation signal. The next fixed code scheme is loaded, as in block316. Preferably, this scheme is based on the number of bits in thereceived fixed code. A data word is formed based on the loaded fixedscheme, as in block 318. This data word includes the received fixed codeeither as received or as a binary modification of the received fixedcode. The carrier frequency is set based on the loaded scheme, as inblock 320. The carrier is modulated and the resulting activation signaltransmitted, as in block 322. A check is made to determine if anyschemes remain, as in block 324. If so, the operations indicated inblocks 316, 318, 320 and 322 are repeated. If not, the user is promptedfor input and the input received, as in block 326. One possibleindication from the user is a desire to reload the fixed code, as inblock 328. If so, the operation returns to block 300. If not, a check ismade to determine if user input indicates success, as in block 330. Ifso, the fixed code is stored associated with a specified activationinput and the mode is changed to fixed, as in block 332.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a reset routine is shown. Each activationinput channel is set to rolling mode, as in block 340. The user isnotified of successful reset, as in block 342. Once again, a pattern offlashing indicator lamps may be used for this indication. Alternatively,if a reset routine is entered by asserting a particular user input 164such as, for example, by depressing pushbutton switch 166 for anextended period of time, then only the mode corresponding to that userinput need be reset by the reset routine.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 through 16, flowcharts illustratingalternative programmable controller operation according to embodimentsof the present invention are shown. In FIG. 13, user input processingincluding rolling code training is provided. User input is examined, asin block 350. A determination is made as to whether or not the inputindicates a reset, as in block 352. If so, a reset routine is called, asin block 354. A determination is made as to whether or not the inputspecified rolling code training, as in block 356. If so, a rolling codetraining routine is called, as in block 358. If not, a determination ismade as to whether fixed code training input was received, as in block360. If so, a fixed code training routine is called, as in block 362. Ifnot, a determination is made as to whether or not one of at least oneactivation inputs was received, as in block 364. If so, an activationroutine is called, as in block 366. Other inputs are possible such as,for example, input specifying a data download for adding or changingactivation signal schemes or modes.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a rolling code training routine is provided.The routine includes a loop in which one or more rolling code activationsignals are sent as a test. A user provides feedback regarding whetheror not the target appliance was activated.

The next rolling code scheme in the sequence is loaded, as in block 370.The sync counter, upon which the rolling code is based, is initialized,as in block 372. The sync counter is encrypted according to the currentscheme to generate a rolling code value, as in block 374. A data word isformed including the generated rolling code value, as in block 376. Thecarrier is set, as in block 378. The data word is used to modulate thecarrier according to the current scheme, as in block 380. The resultingactivation signal is then transmitted.

The guess-and-test approach requires interaction with the user. In oneembodiment, the test pauses until either a positive input or a negativeinput is received from the user, as in block 382. In another embodiment,the test pauses for a preset amount of time. If no user input isreceived within this time, the system assumes the current test hasfailed. A check for success is made, as in block 384. If the userindicates activation, information indicating the one or more successfulschemes is saved, as in block 386. This information may be associatedwith a particular user activation input. The user may assign aparticular user activation input as part of block 382 or may be promptedto designate an activation input as part of block 386.

Returning to block 384, if the user did not indicate successfulactivation, a check is made to determine if any schemes remain, as inblock 390. If not, a failure indication is provided to the user, as inblock 392. This indication may consist of a pattern of flashingindicator lamps, an audio signal, a pattern on a video display, or thelike. If any schemes remain, the test loop is repeated.

The training routine illustrated in FIG. 14 indicates a singleactivation signal is generated for each test. However, multipleactivation signals may be generated and sent with each test. In oneembodiment, further tests are conducted to narrow down which scheme orschemes successfully activated the appliance. In another embodiment, theprogrammable control stores information indicating the successfulsequence so that the successful sequence is retransmitted each time theappropriate activation input is received.

Referring now to FIG. 15, an alternative fixed code training routine isprovided. The user is prompted to input a fixed code value, as in block400. User input is received, as in block 402. As previously discussed,the fixed code value may be input serially or parallelly through one ormore of a variety of inputs including specially designated programmingswitches, activation inputs, remote input devices, and the like. If thefixed code value is serially entered by the user, a check is made todetermine end of data, as in block 404. If input did not indicate end ofdata, a check is made to determine if a binary “1” was input, as inblock 406. If so, a binary “1” is appended to the fixed code, as inblock 408, and a binary “1” is displayed to the user, as in block 410.If not, a binary “0” is appended to the fixed code, as in block 412, anda binary “0” is displayed to the user, as in block 414.

Returning to block 404, once the fixed code value is received aguess-and-test loop is entered. A display may be provided to the userindicating that the test is in progress, as in block 416. Informationdescribing the next fixed code scheme is loaded, as in block 418. A dataword is formed containing the fixed code, as in block 420. The carrierfrequency is set, as in block 422. The data word is used to modulate thecarrier, producing an activation signal, which is then transmitted, asin block 424. User input regarding the success of the test is received,as in block 426. Once again, the system may pause for a preset amount oftime and, if no input is received, assume that the test was notsuccessful. Alternatively, the system may wait for user inputspecifically indicating success or failure. A check is made to determinewhether or not the test was successful, as in block 428. If so,information specifying the one or more successful schemes and the fixedcode value are saved. This information may be associated with aparticular activation input specified by the user. In addition, the modeis changed to fixed mode for the selected activation input. If successwas not indicated, a check is made to determine if any schemes remain,as in block 432. If not, failure is indicated to the user, as in block434. If any schemes remain, the test loop is repeated.

The guess-and-test scheme illustrated in FIG. 15 generates and transmitsa single activation signal with each pass through the loop. However, aswith rolling code training, more than one fixed code activation signalmay be sent within each test. Once success is indicated, the user may beprompted to further narrow the selection of successful activationsignals. Alternatively, information describing the sequence can bestored and the entire sequence retransmitted upon receiving anactivation signal to which the sequence is associated.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a flow chart illustrating an activationroutine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.Information associated with an asserted activation input is retrieved,as in block 440. A check is made to determine if the mode associatedwith the activation channel is rolling, as in block 442. If so, the synccounter is loaded and incremented, as in block 444. The sync counter isencrypted to produce a rolling code value, as in block 446. A data wordis formed including the rolling code value, as in block 448. The carrierfrequency is set, as in block 450. The data word is used to modulate thecarrier frequency, producing an activation signal which is thentransmitted, as in block 452. The sync counter is stored, as in block454.

Returning to block 442, if the mode is not rolling, the stored fixedcode value is retrieved, as in block 456. A data word is formedincluding the retrieved fixed code, as in block 458. The carrierfrequency is set, as in block 460. The data word is used to modulate thecarrier, producing an activation signal which is then transmitted, as inblock 462.

Various embodiments for programming to fixed and rolling code appliancesand for responding to activation input for fixed and rolling codeappliances have been provided. As will be recognized by one of ordinaryskill in the art, these methods may be combined in any manner. Forexample, programmable control 30 may implement a system which transmitsevery rolling code activation signal upon activation of a rolling codechannel and uses guess-and-test training for programming a fixed codechannel. As another example, programmable control 30 may be configuredfor guess-and-test training using every possible rolling code schemebut, when training for fixed code, generates and transmits activationsignals based on only those fixed code schemes known to be used with afixed code value having a number of bits equal to the number of bits ofthe fixed code value entered by the user.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a drawing illustrating a vehicle interior thatmay be used to program a programmable controller according to anembodiment of the present invention is shown. A vehicle interior, showngenerally by 470, includes console 472 having one or more of a varietyof user interface components. Graphical display 474 and associateddisplay controls 476 provide an interactive device for HVAC control,radio control, lighting control, vehicle status and information display,map and positioning display, routing and path planning information, andthe like. Display 204 can provide instructions for programming and usingprogrammable control 30. Display 474 can also provide status and controlfeedback to the user in training and operating modes. Display controls476 including, if available, touch-screen input provided by display 474can be used to provide programming input. In addition, display 474 andcontrols 476 may be used as activation inputs for programmable control30.

Console 472 includes numeric keypad 478 associated with an in-vehicletelephone. For fixed code training, numeric keypad 478 can be used toenter the fixed code value. Programmable control 30 may also recognizeone or a sequence of key depressions on keypad 478 as an activationinput.

Console 472 may include speaker 480 and microphone 482 associated withan in-vehicle telephone, voice activated control system, entertainmentsystem, audible warning system, and the like. Microphone 482 may be usedto provide activation and/or programming inputs. Speaker 480 can provideaudio feedback during programming and/or activation modes. In addition,microphone 482 and speaker 480 may be used to provide programminginstructions, interactive help, and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a block diagram illustrating a bus-basedautomotive vehicle electronic system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention is shown. An electronic system, shown generally by490, includes interconnecting bus 492. Automotive communication busesmay be used to interconnect a wide variety of components within thevehicle, some of which may function as interface devices for programmingor activating appliance controls. Many standards exist for specifyingbus operations such as, for example, SAE J-1850, Controller Area Network(CAN), and the like. Various manufacturers provide bus interfaces 224that handle low level signaling, handshaking, protocol implementationand other bus communication operations.

Electronics system 490 includes programmable control 30. Programmablecontrol 30 includes at least control logic 130 and transmitter (TRANS)132. Control logic 130 accesses memory 496, which holds a plurality ofactivation schemes. Each scheme describes activation control signalsused by control logic 130 to transmit activation signals by transmitter132. User interface 160 interfaces control logic 130 with useractivation inputs and outputs, not shown. User interface 160 may bedirectly connected to control logic 130 or may be connected through bus492. This latter option allows control logic 130 and transmitter 132 tobe located anywhere within vehicle 32.

Electronics system 490 may include wireless telephone 498 interfaced tobus 492. Telephone 498 can receive input from keypad 478 and frommicrophone 482 through microphone input 500. Telephone 498 providesaudio output to speaker 480 through speaker driver 502. Telephone 498may be used to contact a human or automated help system and may also beused as a data port to download scheme and software updates into memory496. Keypad 478 may be directly interfaced to bus 492 allowing keypad478 to provide user input to control logic 130. Microphone 482 providesvoice input through microphone input 500 to speech recognizer 504.Speech recognizer 504 is interfaced to bus 492 allowing microphone 482to provide input for control logic 130. Sound generator 506 suppliessignals for audible reproduction to speaker 480 through speaker driver502. Sound generator 506 may be capable of supplying tone-based signalsand/or artificial speech signals. Sound generator 506 is interfaced tobus 492 allowing control logic 130 to send audible signals to a user.

Display controller 508 generates signals controlling display 474 andaccepts display control input 476. Display controller 508 is interfacedto bus 492 allowing control logic 130 to initiate graphical output ondisplay 474 and receive user input from controls 476.

Radio 510 is interfaced to bus 492 allowing control logic 130 toinitiate display through radio 510 and receive input from controls onradio 510. For example, volume and tuning controls on radio 510 may beused to enter a fixed code value. Rotating the volume knob maysequentially cycle through the most significant bits of the code androtating the tuning knob may sequentially cycle through the leastsignificant bits of the code. Pushing a radio control can then send thefixed code to control logic 130.

Wireless transceiver 512 is interfaced to bus 492 through bus interface494. Wireless transceiver 512 communicates with wireless communicationdevices, represented by 514 and 516, such as portable telephones,personal digital assistants, laptop computers, and the like, throughinfrared or short range radio frequency signals. Various standards existfor such communications including IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, IrDA, and thelike. Transceiver 512 is interfaced to bus 492, permitting wirelessdevices 514, 516 to provide input to and receive output from controllogic 130. Wireless devices 514, 516 may also be used as a data port toupload code and scheme data into memory 496 and/or to exchange data withprogrammable control 30 for assisting in programming control 30.

Data port 518 implements a data connection interfaced to bus 492 throughbus interface 494. Data port 518 provides a plug or other interface forexchanging digital information. One or more standards may be supported,such as IEEE 1394, RS-232, SCSI, USB, PCMCIA, and the like. Proprietaryinformation exchange or vehicle diagnostic ports may also be supported.Data port 518 may be used to upload code and scheme data into memory 496and/or exchange data with programmable control 30 for assisting inprogramming control 30.

Referring now to FIG. 19, a block diagram illustrating distributedcontrol elements interconnected by a vehicle bus according to anembodiment of the present invention is shown. Bus 492 is a CAN bus. Businterface 494 may be implemented with CAN transceiver 530 and CANcontroller 532. CAN transceiver 530 may be a PCA82C250 transceiver fromPhilips Semiconductors. CAN controller 232 may be a SJA 1000 controllerfrom Philips Semiconductors. CAN controller 232 is designed to connectdirectly with data, address and control pins of certain microcontrollerssuch as, for example, an 80C51 family microcontroller from IntelCorporation.

In the example shown, control logic 130 and transmitter 132 aresupported by a first bus interface 494. Activation inputs 164 provideinputs to, and indicators 168 are driven by, microcontroller 534 whichis supported by a second bus interface 494. Programming input switches172 are connected in parallel to microcontroller 536 which is supportedby a third bus interface 494. Serial bus 492 and separate interfaces 494permit various components of programmable control 30 to be placed indifferent locations within vehicle 32. One advantage of separatelocation is that transmitter 132 need not be placed near user controls164, 168, 172. Instead, transmitter 132 may be placed at a locationoptimizing radio frequency transmission from vehicle 32. Anotheradvantage of separately locating components of programmable control 30is to facilitate the design of vehicle interior 470. For example,activation inputs 164 and indicator lamps 168 may be located for easyuser access such as in an overhead console, a visor, a headliner, andthe like. Programming input controls 172, which would be infrequentlyused, may be placed in a more hidden location such as inside of a glovebox, trunk, storage compartment, and the like. Yet another advantage ofa bus-based programmable control 30 is the ability to interface controllogic 130 with a wide variety of vehicle controls and displays.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described,it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe allpossible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in thespecification are words of description rather than limitation, and it isunderstood that various changes may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

1. A system for wirelessly activating an appliance, the applianceresponding to one of a plurality of transmission schemes, the systemcomprising: a transmitter operative to transmit a radio frequencyactivation signal based on any of the plurality of transmission schemes;at least one user activation input, each activation input identifying awireless channel; a user programming input; memory holding datadescribing a plurality of rolling code transmission schemes and aplurality of fixed code transmission schemes; and control logic incommunication with the transmitter, the at least one user activationinput, the user programming input, and the memory, wherein the controllogic implements a rolling code programming mode, a fixed codeprogramming mode, and an operating mode; the control logic in rollingcode programming mode generating and transmitting a sequence of rollingcode activation signals, each rolling code activation signal in thesequence of rolling code activation signals based on a different one ofthe plurality of rolling code transmission schemes, until user inputindicates a successful rolling code transmission scheme, wherein thecontrol logic stores data specifying the successful rolling codetransmission scheme associated with one of the at least one useractivation input; the control logic in fixed code programming modereceiving a fixed code from the user programming input then generatingand transmitting a sequence of fixed code activation signals, each fixedcode activation signal in the sequence of fixed code activation signalsbased on one of the plurality of fixed code transmission schemes andeach transmitting the received fixed code, until user input indicates asuccessful fixed code transmission scheme, wherein the control logicstores the fixed code and data specifying the successful fixed codetransmission scheme associated with one of the at least one useractivation input; the control logic in operating mode receiving anactivation input, retrieving data associated with the receivedactivation input, and transmitting an activation signal based on theretrieved data.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein: the at least one useractivation input is a plurality of user activation inputs.
 3. The systemof claim 1 wherein: the fixed code is either parallelly received orserially received.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein: the control logicpauses for user input after either transmission of at least one fixedcode activation signal in the sequence of fixed code activation signalsor transmission of at least one rolling code activation signal in thesequence of rolling code activation signals.
 5. The system of claim 1wherein: membership in the transmitted sequence of fixed code signals isbased on the number of bits in the received fixed code.
 6. The system ofclaim 1 wherein: the sequence of fixed code signals comprises at leastone pair of fixed code activation signals based on the same fixed codetransmission scheme, one fixed code activation signal in each pair basedon either a reversal or an inversion of the fixed code.
 7. The system ofclaim 1 wherein: at least one of the sequence of fixed code signals andthe sequence of rolling code signals is ordered based on a popularity ofschemes, thereby reducing an average latency time until user inputindicates a successful scheme.
 8. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising: a data port for receiving the data describing the pluralityof rolling code transmission schemes and the plurality of fixed codetransmission schemes.
 9. The system of claim 1 further comprising: meansfor modifying the data describing the plurality of rolling codetransmission schemes and the plurality of fixed code transmissionschemes.
 10. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a vehicle bus incommunication with the control logic.
 11. A method of activating anappliance, the appliance controlled by a radio frequency activationsignal, the method comprising: if a user indicates that the appliance isactivated by a rolling code activation signal, transmitting a sequenceof different rolling code activation signals until the user indicates asuccessful rolling code transmission, then storing data representing arolling code scheme used to generate the successful rolling codetransmission; if the user indicates that the appliance is activated by afixed code activation signal, using a fixed code word to generate andtransmit each of a sequence of different fixed code activation signalsuntil the user indicates a successful fixed code transmission, thenstoring data representing the fixed code word and a fixed code schemeused to generate the successful fixed code transmission; and in responseto an activation input, generating and transmitting an activation signalbased on stored data.
 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising:receiving the fixed code word either serially or parallelly input by theuser.
 13. The method of claim 11 further comprising: determining whichof a plurality of fixed code transmission schemes will be used in thesequence of different fixed code activation signals based on a number ofbits in the fixed code word.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein: thesequence of different fixed code activation signals comprises a firstsignal and a second signal, the second signal based on the same fixedcode scheme as the first signal and on either a reversal or an inversionof the fixed code word.
 15. The method of claim 11 wherein: at least oneof the sequence of different fixed code activation signals and thesequence of different rolling code activation signals is ordered basedon a popularity of schemes.
 16. The method of claim 11 wherein: thesequence of different fixed code activation signals and the sequence ofrolling code activation signals are based on data held in memory, themethod further comprising modifying the data.
 17. A method ofprogramming a programmable remote control, the remote controlprogrammable to one of a plurality of appliance activation schemes, themethod comprising: receiving user type input specifying activationsignal type; if the user type input specifies variable code type,transmitting variable code activation signals using different applianceactivation schemes until receiving user success input indicating atarget appliance has been activated; if the user type input specifiesfixed code type, receiving user fixed code input providing a fixed codeand transmitting fixed code activation signals using different applianceactivation schemes each based on the user fixed code input untilreceiving user success input indicating the target appliance has beenactivated; and storing information specifying an activation signal foractivating the target appliance based on the received user successinput.
 18. A method of programming a programmable remote control, theremote control programmable to a fixed code appliance activation scheme,the method comprising: receiving a fixed code associated with a fixedcode appliance; and transmitting at least a first activation signal anda second activation signal, each of the first activation signal and thesecond activation signal based on the same fixed code activation scheme,each of the first activation signal and the second activation signalbased on the received fixed code, the second activation signal based ona binary modification of the received fixed code.
 19. The method ofclaim 18 wherein: the binary modification is either a bitwise reversalor a bitwise inversion of the received fixed code.
 20. A system forwirelessly activating an appliance, the appliance responding to one of aplurality of transmission schemes, the system comprising: a radiofrequency transmitter; memory holding data describing the plurality oftransmission schemes; and control logic in communication with thetransmitter and the memory, the control logic operative to (a) store afixed code, (b) if a fixed code is stored, transmit a sequence of fixedcode activation schemes, based on the fixed code and data held in thememory, until input indicating activation of the appliance is received,(c) if no fixed code is stored, transmit a sequence of rolling codeactivation schemes, based on data held in the memory, until inputindicating activation of the appliance is received, (d) store anindication as to which activation scheme activated the appliance basedon the received input indicating activation of the appliance, and (e)generate an activation signal based on the stored indication and areceived activation input.